BowTech Destroyer 350

Since its inception back in 1999, BowTech has made headlines with new technologies, acquisitions, partnerships and some of the most popular bows ever to hit pro shop racks. They seem to have a keen sense of what will stir bowhunters' h¬¬¬earts. BowTech's new creation for 2010 -- the Destroyer -- will certainly get folks talking with its true innovation, excellent shooting characteristics and lightning quick speed.

The Destroyer series includes 340 and 350 models. The numbers indicate top arrow speed, and while most of the specs and components are the same for both, there are differences in mass weight, draw length range and brace height. The Destroyer features the OverDrive Binary Cam, HardCore Limbs, FLX-Guard and Carbon Rod String Stop.

Geared-Up InnovationWhile closely observing BowTech's new OverDrive Binary Cam, you will see a large, odd shaped post (cam synchronization axle) protruding from both sides of each cam. Upon further inspection, you will realize it does not actually go through the limbs like a typical axle. Rather, it is attached to the exterior of the limbs with brackets.

The axle has a series of machined teeth that fit into matching teeth on the cams. In short, the Destroyer features the first-ever geared cam system on the market!

While a typical axle simply serves as an anchor point for the cam to rotate independently, BowTech's cam synchronization axle (CSA) is an integral part of the overall system, moving in lock step with the rotation of the cam. This eliminates cam timing issues, because the cam cannot slip on the axle. This keeps the bow in tune and ensures consistent cam action -- which equals consistent shooting.

Another advantage of the CSA is the off-center way it rotates during the draw. Because of this, the distance between the axles and the cams actually increases during the draw and then acts as a letoff mechanism when it rotates back toward the center of the bow at the end. This serves to mellow the draw transition between the plateau and valley.

The entire cam system, while rigid in some respects because of the locked gear teeth, is still tunable via the split buss cable harness attached to the ends of the CSA. The overall system remains a Binary Cam, as the buss cables are not hard anchored to an immovable object; rather, they are still tied to the movement of the cam, since the cam's movement is in step with the movement of the CSA.

Rollers on a Mini LimbAnother new technology on the Destroyer is the FLX-Guard. This cable containment system is attached to the riser using material that acts much like a bow limb. When the bow is drawn, it flexes toward the center of the rig, reducing the effects of torque in the system. When the shot is fired, it automatically springs back to position. The end of the mini limb is angled toward the center of the bow and houses two rollers. This angle matches the natural tension and movement of the cables and, coupled with the rollers, reduces friction and increases efficiency.

Layered Limb TechnologyNew technology just keeps coming on the Destroyer, and the limbs are next in line. BowTech's HardCore Limbs contain seven layers of carbon, aluminum and fiberglass covered in an impact-resistant film.

The name HardCore comes from the High Modulus Carbon Core material, which has twice the stiffness of fiberglass and effectively distributes stress throughout the limb.

First ImpressionsBefore researching any of the Destroyer's specs or reading the "350" on the limbs, I shot the bow several times. It demonstrated excellent shooting characteristics, generated minimal noise and was solid at full draw.

A while later, while talking to a BowTech engineer, I asked what the IBO speed rating is. He said it is right on the limbs -- 350 feet per second. At that point, I knew BowTech had once again created a stir.

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